Cleaning and sorting machine for particulate materials

ABSTRACT

A cleaning and sorting machine for removing particle trash, such as dockage, from desired larger particulate material of substantially uniform size, employs an elongate and generally cylindrical driven separating drum having a screen periphery of a predetermined mesh, for retaining the desired larger particles. The drum, mounted on a horizontal axis, has mounted therein a series or multiplicity of stationary slide baffles with peripheries of said baffles in spaced relation to the inner periphery of the drum and the baffles are declined from their upper portions to their lower portions in the direction of discharge of the machine, and constitute the only means for moving or progressing the particulate material from the entrance at one end of the drum to the discharge at the other end. The screen successively lifts particles over a substantial segmental area of the drum and thereafter, with gravity, dropping all particulate material upon the baffles with attendant rolling and sliding action and the said declined baffles are preferably densely perforated with sieve-like apertures of substantially the mesh of the drum screen to constitute a further separation step in the progress of all particulate material through the machine.

United States Patent Feterl 1 June 27, 1972 [54] CLEANING AND SORTINGMACHINE FOR PARTICULATE MATERIALS [72] Inventor: Leon G. Feterl, Salem,S. Dak. 57058 [22] Filed: Aug. 31, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 68,311

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No.801,729, Feb. 24,

1969, abandoned.

Primary Examiner-Frank W. Lutter Assistant Examiner-Ralph J. HillAttorney-Williamson, Palmatier & Bains [5 7] ABSTRACT A cleaning andsorting machine for removing particle trash, such as dockage, fromdesired larger particulate material of substantially uniform size,employs an elongate and generally cylindrical driven separating drumhaving a screen periphery of a predetermined mesh, for retaining thedesired larger particles. The drum, mounted on a horizontal axis, hasmounted therein a series or multiplicity of stationary slide baffleswith peripheries of said baffles in spaced relation to the innerperiphery of the drum and the baffles are declined from their upperportions to their lower portions in the direction of discharge of themachine, and constitute the only means for moving or progressing theparticulate material from the entrance at one end of the drum to thedischarge at the other end. The screen successively lifts particles overa substantial segmental area of the drum and thereafter, with gravity,dropping all particulate material upon the baffles with attendantrolling and sliding action and the said declined baffles are preferablydensely perforated with sieve-like apertures of substantially the meshof the drum screen to constitute a further separation step in theprogress of all particulate material through the machine. a

8 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATEMEDJUM? I972 SHEET 30F 3 FIE-5 INVENTOR.EON G. F'E'TERL pM rfi/lw flrrakvars CLEANING AND SORTING MACHINE FORPARTICULATE MATERIALS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION Thisapplication is a continuation-in-part of earlier filed and copendingapplication, Ser. No. 801,729, filed Feb. 24, 1969, now abandoned.

OBJECTS OF INVENTION This invention relates to sizing, cleaning andseparating machines adapted for continuous operation to remove thesomewhat finer trash and particles from a mixture which contains desiredparticles of a substantially uniform size and shape. While the inventionhas wide applicability to cleaning and sorting machines for particulatematerials, it is particu larly applicable as a grain cleaner to removeweed seeds, chaff, broken kernels and other substantially fine materials(often called dockage) from an intake of harvested grain mixture.

It is an object of my invention originally disclosed in application Ser.No. 801,729, as well as in this application, to simplify rotary cleanersand separators of the prior art and to reduce the manufacturing costthereof as well as condense and substantially decrease the spacerequirements for efficient separation and sorting of particulatematerials with increase in the efficiency and capacity thereof.

More specifically, in the original application and in this application,it is an object to provide a machine or apparatus of the class describedwhich employs a generally cylindrical substantially horizontalseparating drum having a periphery constructed of screen and which,through cooperating materialadvancing means and baffie means, produces amultiplicity of tumbling, position-shifting actions on the materialpassing through the drum while nevertheless advancing the material andthe clean whole particles to the discharge end of the machine withoutuse of augers or moving conveyors.

In addition to the aforesaid objects, the disclosure of the instantapplication provides for additional sizing and successive discharge ofthe finer undesirable particles as contrasted with the entire prior artand with the disclosures of applicants original application Ser. No.801,729.

REFERENCE TO PRIOR ART Machines and apparatus of the prior art have ingeneral embodied two classifications. The first and earlierclassification usually employed, together with a revolving screeningdrum with means for feeding the mixture of granular material at one endthereof and discharging the screened larger and more uniform particlesat the other end, the disposition of the rotary drum in a tilted orsubstantially vertical position or oblique position whereby gravity wasemployed to advance the material from the receiving end to the dischargeend.

In the second prior art classification, dependence of gravity foradvancing the mixture of particles was dispensed with and a spiral orscrew conveyor was employed within the screen drum to controllablyadvance the mixture of material from entrance to discharge. In someinstances the spiral conveyor was in the form of a fluting attached tothe inner periphery of the drum, while in other constructions anindependent screw conveyor of spiral or broken spiral form was mountedindependently within the drum and with its periphery in spaced relationto the inner periphery of the revolving screen drum. In some instancesthe independently driven screw conveyor was driven at similar speed tothe drum and sometimes the embodiments caused differential speeds to beeffective in the overall apparatus.

In all of such prior art, the utilization of any screw conveyingmechanism for advancing the mixture or the material from the intake endto the discharge end of the machine necessarily caused massing up andsome compaction of the unseparated material in its travel. This massingup and compaction, while eliminating the need of the action of gravityin advancing material, slowed down actual separation and discharge ofthe fines and, for commercial facility, required a very voluminousapparatus of greater length and/or circumference to produce the resultsdesired.

Such prior art apparatus was inadequate in use of the sizing mesh of theperipheral revolving screen to full facility and was inadequate in itstumbling and position-changing trajectories of the variably sized andshaped particulate material during the operation thereof. The operationof the prior art, particularly when the machine is loaded to heavycapacity through its inherent structure and centrifugal force produced,has a tendency to force grain and other particles and deleteriousmaterials into and against the screen openings thereby clogging the samebecause the thickness of the granular stream advanced and the intimatemixture of particles which vary substantially from the shape of thegrains or kernels of the desirable material and the deleterious finermaterial admixed therewith.

My invention, as originally disclosed in U. S. application Ser. No.801,729, combines with a generally horizontal revolving screen drum amultiplicity of internal slide baffles mounted in parallel stationaryposition and declined from their upper to their lower ends in thedirection of travel of the material towards the discharge end of themachine. This new combination of cooperating elements, with thecentrifugal force created by drum rotation, provides many separateparticle-tumbling actions, as well as substantial changes of positionsand trajectories by slide and rolling action throughout the travel ofthe material through the machine. Particles slide, roll and dropdownwardly onto the lower portion of the screen with variabletrajectories. The overall inherent functions produce an unexpected highefficicncy of removal of the undesirable particles with the sorting anddischarge of the desired whole particles of uniform shape and size.

The foregoing and other objects of the invention will be more apparentfrom the following description made in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein, with reference to my original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of an embodiment of my invention,particularly adapted for cleaning grain;

FIG. 2 shows an end elevation of the same taken at the flowintake endand illustrating a suitable driving means for the drum;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken longitudinally of the machinesubstantially along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2

FIG. 4 is a transverse section taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal section similar to FIG. 3illustrating the angular adjustment provided for the parallel declinedslide baffles;

With reference to improvements disclosed in this continuation-in-partapplication:

FIG. 6 is a plan view of one of my typical preferred foraminous obliqueor declined baffles removed from the machine of FIGS. 1 to 5 which, withthe revolving screen drum, provides a multiplicity of additional and newsizing operations for removal of fines;

FIG. 7 is a view in partial cross section and side elevation of my newinventive concept for providing additional sizing operations applied toan old type or conventional grain cleaner where a spiralmaterial-advancing element is supported from and connected to theinterior periphery of the revolving screen drum;

FIG. 8 is a very fragmentary elevational view of a part of the spiralmaterial-advancing means of FIG. 7 showing disposition of theclassifying apertures through the spiral blade; and

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross section showing the improvements of theinstant application applied to an independent shaftmounted screwconveyor having its periphery concentrically arranged with the innerperipheral wall of the revolving screen.

Referring now specifically to the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 inclusive, D indicates as an entirety thesubstantially cylindrical screening drum suitably mounted for bodilyrotation and comprising, as shown, a rigid intake end annulus 6 providedwith a diminished intake sleeve 6a and a similar discharge end annulus 7having a rigidly connected concentric discharge sleeve 70. Amultiplicity of Iongitudinal, rigid and circumferentially spaced innerconnecting rods 8 interconnect the anuli 6 and 7 and reinforce the drumconstruction and the cylindrical screen S, which may be of any suitabletype such as an interwoven wire screen having uniform rectangular meshor, on the other hand, a foraminous metal sheet may be employed. In thisconnection the screen is preferably readily removable and may constitutean integral, rectangular screen sheet contoured cylindrically and havingabutting longitudinal edges which are interconnected when the screen issnugly wrapped around its supporting structure. It is further reinforcedby a plurality of spaced circular hoops 9 surrounding and affixed as bywelding to the exteriors of the connector rods 8.

A suitable elongate frame for supporting and mounting the drum D, aswell as the other components of my machine, is provided, indicated as anentirety by the letter F, and having, as shown, a pair of widely spacedupright supporting posts 10 spaced rearwardly some distance from theintake end of the drum, and a similar pair of upright supporting posts11 disposed outwardly of the discharge end of drum D. Posts 10 aretransversely interconnected at their upper portions for reinforcementand also for support of interior support rods by a pair of spacedparallel rigid crossbars 12 and 13. Similarly, the upper portions of therear upstanding posts 11 are interconnected by transverse bars 14 and15.

As shown, four rigid mounting shafts l6 interconnect the two ends of thegeneral frame F and extend longitudinally throughout the entire lengthof drum D being positioned cross sectionally in the corners of a squarefigure, the center of which is coaxial with the drum. The upper pair ofmounting shafts 16 at their ends are interconnected respectively withthe upper crossbars 12 and 14 of the frame ends, while the lower pair ofmounting shafts 16 is interconnected at its ends respectively with thecrossbars 13 and 15 of the frame end structures. As shown, mountingshafts 16 near their terminal portions carry rotary rollers 17 mountedin suitable bearings, and which support and mount the drum D for rotarydriving. Thus the four rollers 17, at the material intake end of thedrum, engage and mount the inner periphery of the sleeve 6a affixed toannulus 6. Similarly the rollers 17 at the discharge end of the drumengage and rotatably mount and support the rigid sleeve 7a attached toannulus 7. The rollers 17 are preferably constructed of a non-resonantslightly compressible material to minimize noise during operation.

The mounting shafts 16 further serve, in the structure shown, theimportant function in supporting and positioning a multiplicity ofpreferably parallel, declined slide baffles 18 which are disposedaxially of the interior of drum D and have preferably curvilinearperipheries spaced some distance inwardly of the cylindrical separatingscreen S. The slide baffles 18 from the entrance end of the machine aredeclined uniformly from upper to lower edges toward the discharge, andin the forms shown all of said slide baffles, with the exception of theoutermost 18a, are of a slightly oval-shape planar construction topresent peripheral edges substantially concentric with the screen S. Themounting shafts 16 pass through said slide baffles and are connectedtherewith to maintain the desired declined parallel positions of thebaffles. The desired angulations of said baffles, with reference to thehorizontal, will vary somewhat depending upon the diameter of the drumand the peripheral travel or speed thereof. I have found that variationsin range between 44 and 68 is applicable. It will be understood thatwhile all of the baffle slides 18 with the exception of the dischargeend slide 18a are of planar substantially disk construction, all of thebaffles may, if desired, be of slightly trough-shape (concave) on thesurface thereof towards the discharge such as is shown in the end baffleplate 18a which serves as a discharge chute for the cleaned whole kernelgrain.

In FIGS. 4 and 5 I illustrate a mechanism for mounting and angularlyadjusting (within limits) said multiplicity of slide baffles 18. Hereeach baffle is provided with an upper pair of slots 18}; through whichthe mounting shafts 16 pass and a second lower pair of slots is providedacross which and on both sides of the individual baffles abutment pins19 are provided in shafts 16 for facilitating angular shifting of therespective baffles longitudinally of the drum. To facilitatesimultaneous parallel angular shifting of all baffles a rigidlongitudinal shift bar 20 extends through narrow slots 18d formedthrough the central and upward portions of the baffles I8 and carriespairs of transverse abutment pins 20a which are disposed respectively inclose relation to and at opposite sides of the interrelated baffle 18.The shift rod 20, as shown at the discharge end of the machine extendsthrough an elongated slot formed in a retaining plate (see FIG. 3) andhas, as shown, an operating handle 20fwhich enables the bar 20 to beslightly lifted and retracted or extended. To retain the bar 20 in adesired adjusted position, suitable means is provided, such as a seriesof spaced notches 200, which selectively may engage with the lower edgeof the slotted plate 21.

It will be understood that a screen S, having the appropriate meshscreen openings for the particular material to be separated from thedockage or trash, must be carefully selected. The screen openings shouldpositively exclude the desirable particles of substantially uniformshape and size to be sorted, but it is of course desirable to useopenings as large as possible for allowing passage of all of theundesirable trash. In the general field of grain cleaners, whichconstitutes only a portion of the wide use of my invention, I have foundthat two or three mesh sizes are needed for shelled corn which variesfrom small to larger kernels. Likewise, for soy beans and edible beanstwo screen sizes are desirable and the same applies to separation ofwheat, barley, oats and milo kernels.

The rotation of drum D causes all particulate material to move and belifted upwardly, mainly through centrifugal force. The roughened surfaceof screen S constitutes a lifting factor. Means for rotatably drivingsaid drum at peripheral speeds within a predetermined range must beprovided. It is desirable that such driving means do not obstruct axialentrance of material or discharge thereof at the ends of said drum. Anexamplary driving means is illustrated, mounted at the intake end of themachine and, as shown, connected with a large external gear ring 24secured to the external periphery of the intake frame annulus 6. Anendless driving chain 25 is entrained about external gear 24 and a smallsprocket 26 affixed to a countershaft 26a which is journaled on anupstanding bracket 27 affixed to a platform 28. Bracket 27 is supportedby horizontal intermediate reinforcing bars 29 and 29a of the generalframe structure. Countershaft 26a carries a V-belt pulley 31a which isdriven at reduced speed by a V-belt 31 and driven from the armatureoutput pulley 32 of an electric motor M.

It will of course be understood that the harvested grain material willbe introduced by a gravity feed box or conveyor axially of the openentrance end of the machine. As shown in the drawings, a declined chute33 is provided entering the open intake end of the drum and receivingfrom a hopper 34. It should be understood that the slide baffle 18closest to the entrance end of the drum may be positioned rearwardly to,of itself, constitute a chute for receiving conveyed or dropped flowgrain material.

OPERATION The harvested grain containing dockage is flowed or conveyed,preferably in a substantially uniform manner substantially axially anddownwardly into the intake end of the machine. The material drops bygravity upon the rotating screen S and is almost immediately engagedthereby and through centrifugal force and some effect fromscreen-friction, is carried upwardly in circular manner until the forceof gravity causes the particles to topple and drop from an upper zone ofthe drum. Some of the fines are screened through the drum in said upwardcircular travel. The trajectories of the many particles which aredropped at the upper portion of the machine vary quite widely.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the arrow indicates clockwise rotation of thedrum, and radial broken lines marked X and Z have been appliedexteriorly of the drum, corresponding generally to the time numerals 11and 4 on a conventional clock. The zone, clockwise between the lines Zand X, and throughout substantially the full length of the drum,constitutes the area where almost all of the screening and discharge offines are effected. The rotating wide diameter screen produces a rollingand tumbling action of the particles supported thereon and the fines ofvarying shape work through the screen exteriorly of the machine.

The particulate material is carried upwardly by the drum toapproximately the radial line X and then topple and drop through gravityupon the upper portions of baffles 18 in a zone or area corresponding toclock numerals from to 12. The particles roll and change position intheir travel downwardly and forwardly over said slide baffles l8 andagain are tumbled by gravity and vortex action after dropping from theperipheral, lower edges of the baffles 18 through variable trajectories.

The actions and functions previously described reoccur many timesthroughout the travelof the inflowing material from the intake to thedischarge end, tumbling and dispersion of the various shaped particlestaking place successively at the top and right hand portions of themachine, as previously described.

It will be noted that in the separate functions of each of themultiplicity of slide baffles 18, the materials including the wholekernels of the grain and various types of dockage admixed therewith areadvanced longitudinally of the machine. By the time the successivetumbling, rolling and dispersing actions have taken place throughoutsuch travel, substantially all of the undesirable dockage material hasbeen passed through the appropriately sized screen S.

The functions and results of the machine, and operation as previouslydescribed, give unexpected efficiency in separation of the undesirabledockage materials. The discharge from the outlet end of the machine overthe outermost slide baffle 180, which has coupled therewith a lowertrough-like portion, causes a discharge of substantially clean, wholekernels of the cereal material.

While the foregoing description of operation relates to the graincleaning embodiment of my invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5, itwill be understood that the operation is similar and almost identical inmachines of my invention constructed for continuously sizing, sortingparticles of chemical solid material, plastic or other material broadlyin the class of particulate material where it is desired to remove trashand particles of generally smaller size than a selected, substantiallyuniform size and shape of particle.

It is of course important that the linear peripheral foot-perminutetravel of the screen and drum be properly selected and maintained inrelation to the materials and the spacing of the slide baffles 18. Ihave found that with a drum of a 3 foot diameter a range of from 38 to42 rpms produces excellent results. With a drum having approximately an18 inch diameter the rpm should be greater ranging from about 56 to 62rpms.

I have found the following equation may be used to determine the rpm ofvarious sized drums:

Where N rpm ofdrum Where R radius of drum in feet I have also found thaton occasions it is desirable to somewhat vary the angulation of theslide baffles 18, which may be readily accomplished from one end of themachine by use of the adjustment bar 20 and the means for retaining thebar in the desired adjusted position. The preferred range of angulationof the slide baffles 18 with reference to the horizontal is between 44and 68.

After review of numerous tests and reductions to practice of myinvention as originally disclosed in application Ser. No. 801,729, Idiscovered and determined that additional steps of classification andriddance of the undesirable fines of the particle mixture could beobtained without adding parts to the structure originally disclosed.

First I discovered that by foraminating at least a plurality of thesuccessive baffles 18, of my original invention, with a largemultiplicity of sizing apertures of approximately the sizing area of themesh of rotating drum or screen S, a fines" separation and operationcould take place through each of the foraminous baffles. Thus, as shownin FIG. 6, at least a majority, and preferably all, of the baffles 18are foraminated by dense formation of sizing apertures through the sheetmetal or other substantially rigid construction thereof of appropriatesize, and in furthering the efficiency of this improvement I found thatthe bottom portion of the screen drum S, below each baffle 18, even whenthe machine was well loaded to capacity, had a minimal thickness ofparticle mixture thereon. In the rolling and dropping action of thevarious particles from the upper portion of the revolving screen,smaller particles, particularly since the baffles are relatively verythin, would, to a considerable extent, pass through the new sizingapertures, which are shown on the drawings as 18b, and thereafter woulddrop through different trajectories upon the revolving screen and manythereof would pass outwardly and be discharged in the intermediateportions of the device. In this manner the advance of the full-sizedesirable kernels and the reoccuring separation of fines through thebaffles were shown to be, and unexpectedly so, highly effective. Mytests have shown that where all of the baffles are foraminated, as shownin FIG. 6, with proper sized openings, an overall efficiency and moreaction is obtained in cleaning up to, I would estimate, an increase inefficiency of 15 percent.

After realizing the substantial importance of my new discoveries relatedto the form of the invention first disclosed in application Ser. No.801,729, I then began testing and experimenting with prior art types ofgrain cleaning machinery where thin metal spiral vanes or thin axialaugers were employed in combination with a rotating drum. I desired, ifpossible, to apply the principles of the progressive and additionalsizing cycles to said prior art devices. In FIGS. 7 and 8, I illustratea prior art construction of grain cleaning machine where affixed throughin close relation to the inner peripheral wall of the rotating screendrum the continuous vane or vanes of spiral shape are employed toadvance material during the sizing operation of the drum. This vane orfluting 29 in most prior art machines extends almost the full length ofthe rotating drum. I have built up a special spiral vane of thin metalmaterial having a multiplicity of sizing apertures 30 made thereindensely dispersed throughout its length and of a size corresponding tothe mesh area size of the drum employed. I then reduced this inventionor concept to successful practice and found that the substantiallycontinuous dropping of particles from the upper portion of the screen ofthe drum caused a considerable amount of the particles being advanced tostrike and sometimes be pushed forwardly. A considerable number of thefiner and undesirable particles passed through the sizing apertures 30of the auger. In FIG. 8, a sizeable sector of the conveyor blade or vaneis shown in detail being of thin metal construction and having denselyformed therein the sizing apertures 30. My reduction to practice of thedevices made in conformity with the embodiment of the invention justdisclosed proved to me that an increase in the fines from theintroduction of the particle admixture through the first twothirds ofthe length of the machine amounted to 14 percent in weight and wouldsatisfy me as to this embodiment of my improved invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, I applied the principles of my improvementinvention to another type of prior art grain cleaner where a thin sheetmetal auger, for advancing the particulate material, was employed havingits periphery in spaced relation to the inner periphery of the screen.Here the pitch of the auger and the thinness of the blade enabled me toprovide dense perforation or sizing apertures 32 throughout asubstantial width of the auger material. Again, on constructivelytesting and introducing this embodiment of the invention to practice, Ifound a substantial gain in the amount of fines which were sized, firstthrough the sizing apertures of the screw conveyor, and which thenpassed in short order through the meshes of the drum netting and weredischarged before the advancement through the last third of the traveltowards the discharge of my machine.

While the most advantageous employment of my inventive improvements wasfound in the combination which employed the successive declined baffleplates, as disclosed generally in FIGS, 1 to 5 of the drawings, I findthat the inherent advantages of the continuous and progressive sortingout and discharge of the fines, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, weresubstantial and rewarding.

Where hereafter in the appended claims the terms means progressivelyinclined to, and mounted within the periphery of said drum for advancingparticulate material are employed, the meaning thereof shall include theprogressive advancing means employed by my successive declined baffleplates as well as the spiral fluting or vane illustrated in FIGS. 7 and8 of the invention and as well as the independent thin screw conveyorhaving its periphery spaced from the screen drum,

What is claimed is:

'1. A cleaning and sorting machine for removing undesirable, particulatematerial from desirable particles of generally uniform shape and size,having in combination:

an elongate, generally cylindrical separating drum having a peripheryconstructed of screen of a predetermined mesh for retaining the saiddesirable particles, and having a material intake end and an oppositeclean-particle discharge end,

means for mounting said drum for rotation about a substantiallyhorizontal axis,

driving means for rotating said drum within a range of predeterminedspeeds,

a plurality of spaced, stationary slide baffles mounted generallyaxially and transversely within said drum, having peripheral edgesspaced inwardly some distances from said screen and declined constantlyfrom their upper portions to their lower portions in the direction ofsaid cleanparticle discharge,

the rotation of said drum producing centrifugal force to cause saidperipheral screen to continuously lift particulate material circularlyand upwardly,

and the force of gravitycausing the particles of the material to toppleand drop downwardly from an upper longitudinal sector of said drum,falling upon said slide baffles and rolling and sliding downward thereonand dropping upon the lower longitudinal sector of said screen withvariable trajectories and tumbling actions,

a longitudinal framework medium having end portions constituting themeans for mounting said drum for rotation, and having elongate rigidmeans extending generally axially through said drum,

and said slide bafi'les being interconnected with and supported by saidrigid means in the aforesaid spaced and declined relation.

2. The structure in combination as set forth in claim 1 and a frameworkmedium for mounting and supporting said slide baffles and said drum,said framework medium including elongate rigid means extending axiallythrough said slide baffle.

3. The structure in combination as set forth in preceding claim 2 whensaid framework medium comprises a plurality of rigid elongate membersarranged cross sectionally in the corners of a polygon.

4. The structure in combination as set forth in preceding claim 3further characterized by,

said rigid elongate members being disposed close to the innerperipheries of the annular ends of said drum,

and rollers mounted upon the end portions of said rigid elongate membersfor engaging and rotatably supporting said drum.

5. The structure in combination as set forth in claim 1 and means forvarying the angles of declination of said slide baffles to the axis ofsaid drum.

6. The structure in combination as set forth in claim 1 furthercharacterized by the slide baffle at the discharge end of the machineconstituting at least in part a discharge chute, the lower end of whichextends through the central opening of the discharge end of said drum tothe exterior thereof.

7. The structure in combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidslide baffles are of substantially planar shape and wherein the anglesof declination of said baffles to the axis of said drum are within arange of from about 44 to 68.

8. The structure and combination defined in claim 1 wherein at least aplurality of said spaced stationary slide baffles are provided with adense multiplicity of sizing apertures similar to said drum therethroughfor causing a plurality of sizing operations to take place during travelof the particulate material through the drum, a number of the finerparticles dropped from the upper portion of the revolving drum upon saidbaffles passing through said sizing apertures and thereafter, indischarge, through the netting of said drum.

1. A cleaning and sorting machine for removing undesirable, particulatematerial from desirable particles of generally uniform shape and size,having in combination: an elongate, generally cylindrical separatingdrum having a periphery constructed of screen of a predetermined meshfor retaining the said desirable particles, and having a material intakeend and an opposite clean-particle discharge end, means for mountingsaid drum for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, drivingmeans for rotating said drum within a range of predetermined speeds, aplurality of spaced, stationary slide baffles mounted generally axiallyand transversely within said drum, having peripheral edges spacedinwardly some distances from said screen and declined constantly fromtheir upper portions to their lower portions in the direction of saidclean-particle discharge, the rotation of said drum producingcentrifugal force to cause said peripheral screen to continuously liftparticulate material circularly and upwardly, and the force of gravitycausing the particles of the material to topple and drop downwardly froman upper longitudinal sector of said drum, falling upon said slidebaffles and rolling and sliding downward thereon and dropping upon thelower longitudinal sector of said screen with variable trajectories andtumbling actions, a longitudinal framework medium having end portionsconstituting the means for mounting said drum for rotation, and havingelongate rigid means extending generally axially through said drum, andsaid slide baffles being interconnected with and supported by said rigidmeans in the aforesaid spaced and declined relation.
 2. The structure incombination as set forth in claim 1 and a framework medium for mountingand supporting said slide baffles and said drum, said framework mediumincluding elongate rigid means extending axially through said slidebaffle.
 3. The structure in combination as set forth in preceding claim2 when said framework medium comprises a plurality of rigid elongatemembers arranged cross sectionally in the corners of a polygon.
 4. Thestructure in combination as set forth in preceding claim 3 furthercharacterized by, said rigid elongate members being disposed close tothe inner peripheries of the annular ends of said drum, and rollersmounted upon the end portions of said rigid elongate members forengaging and rotatably supporting said drum.
 5. The structure incombination as set forth in claim 1 and means for varying the angles ofdeclination of said slide baffles to the axis of said drum.
 6. Thestructure in combination as set forth in claim 1 further characterizedby the slide baffle at the discharge end of the machine constituting atleast in part a discharge chute, the lower end of which extends throughthe central opening of the discharge end of said drum to the exteriorthereof.
 7. The structure in combination as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid slide baffles are of substantially planar shape and wherein theangles of declination of said baffles to the axis of said drum arewithin a range of from about 44* to 68*.
 8. The structure andcombination defined in claim 1 wherein at least a plurality of saidspaced stationary slide baffles are provided with a dense multiplicityof sizing apertures similar to said drum therethrough for causing aplurality of sizing operations to take place during travel of theparticulate material through the drum, a number of the finer particlesdropped from the upper portion of the revolving drum upon said bafflespassing through said sizing apertures and thereafter, in dischargE,through the netting of said drum.